County employee named Foster Care Worker of the Year

A Michigan Department of Health and Human Services employee in St. Joseph County received a prestigious award issued by a state panel last week in Bay City.

Susan Pyles, a foster care specialist with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services office in Centreville, was honored as the “Foster Care Worker of the Year” during Friday’s luncheon staged by the State Court Administrative Office Foster Care Review Board.

Pyles was one of six people who received special acknowledgment for their outstanding service to children in Michigan’s foster care system.

The award winners were chosen by a panel of child welfare professionals, advocates and past winners. Pyles received multiple nominations, including recommendations from Probate Court Judge David Tomlinson; Linda Jo Skipski, Children’s Services Supervisor at St. Joseph County DHHS; and Jeffery Boyce, Foster Care Supervisor at St. Joseph County DHHS.

They cited her exceptional work ethic and professionalism, her compassion for her clients, and her high level of dedication.